Arizona center Chance Comanche to test draft waters, but may return

By Arizona Sports | April 8, 2017 at 12:33 pmUPDATED: April 8, 2017 at 6:49 pm

Arizona's Dusan Ristic, Chance Comanche and Lauri Markkanen, from left, celebrate after Arizona defeated Oregon 83-80 in an NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the Pac-12 men's tournament Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Though Arizona Wildcats sophomore Chance Comanche is declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft, it’s not a sure thing that the 6-foot-11 center will leave the program.

That’s because under NCAA rules, Comanche can retain his eligibility if he doesn’t hire an agent. He’s simply “testing the waters,” his school said in a statement, to gauge his draft stock.

“I am excited about the opportunity to explore my NBA options, gather information and dedicate the next month to reaching my goals of becoming an NBA player,” he said in that same statement. “At the conclusion of this process, my family and I will make the best decision for my future both on and off the court. I also want to thank Coach Miller and the Arizona staff for supporting my decision.”

During this past season, Comanche averaged 6.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 18.1 minutes per game, and was one of four players to play in all 37 of Arizona’s games. Entering college, he was ranked the No. 91 overall recruit in the 2015 recruiting class.